Environment and Climate Change Canada has yet to classify the large tornado that cut a path through Central Alberta, specifically Didsbury, on Canada Day but say it was likely the strongest one to hit the province since 2000.

Didsbury RCMP are having a problem with increased motorists coming to the area where the twister happened to have a look. In a news release they said a woman was charged with careless driving and distracted driving yesterday when she stopped her vehicle in the middle of the road and proceeded to take pictures.

Officers also had to respond to a collision in the area. These behaviors are causing traffic issues, and Didsbury RCMP remind the public to be respectful and stay away at this time. The tornado was estimated at one to two kilometres wide.

RCMP say 14 homes were hit in the tornado and  Environment Canada says the tornado completely destroyed three homes and four were left uninhabitable. Several farm buildings, as well as power infrastructure in the area were also damaged or destroyed. No major injuries or fatalities have been reported.  Twenty-five cows and 20 chickens were killed on properties hit by the tornado. One horse also had to be put down.

ECCC, in coordination with the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP), has conducted a storm damage survey and is reviewing the data. A media release is planned for Tuesday, July 4th to present the findings of the survey.

Didsbury is 82 kilometres north of Calgary.